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Flooding on Park Street in Malone. Photo: Franklin County Office of Emergency Services
How the cold spell flooded out homes in Malone
Malone, NY, Jan 31, 2013 — At least six families have been flooded out of their homes on Lower Park Street in Malone.
Ricky Provost, director of the Franklin County Office of Emergency Services, says there's no way they will be able to return home any time soon. The evacuated houses have three feet of water in the first floor.
He says during the cold spell last week the Salmon River backed up with ice, and created an ice jam about 4,000 feet long.
Ricky Provost, director of the Franklin County Office of Emergency Services, says there's no way they will be able to return home any time soon. The evacuated houses have three feet of water in the first floor.
He says during the cold spell last week the Salmon River backed up with ice, and created an ice jam about 4,000 feet long.
Photo: Franklin County Office of Emergency Services
According to the Plattsburgh Press Republican, oil has leaked into the flooded area, and absorbent material was placed along the swollen Salmon River to capture it.
Provost says about 20 homes have had flooding to their water wells and septic systems so far. The river was rising Wednesday, as snow melted in the warmer weather, and more rain is predicted today.
Emergency officials want to get the river running back in the river-bed, and off of Park Street. But Provost says the river bed is clogged.
Photo: Franklin County Office of Emergency Services
Provost says eventually the river needs to be dredged, and about 10 houses may need to be bought out, so the road can be built up.
For now provost says he's had plenty of suggestions on how to remove the ice jam, but he's not convinced they're safe.
